• idtheftcenter.org - protect yourself from being a victim
• grandcentral.com - one number that rings all of your phones
• metropcs.com - unlimited local calling

Clark often feels guilty about not spending enough time with his kids. Many parents do the same. But, the University of Maryland conducted a thorough study into the matter and found out that parents today are spending more time than ever with their children. Even mothers who are working are spending more time with kids, and the amount of time fathers spend with kids has gone up 50 percent. In addition, men doing housework has also increased 50 percent. The average man spends 9.6 hours a week doing housework. Back in the ‘60s, it was next to nothing. So, kudos to mothers and fathers out there. Spending your quality time with kids has such a positive effect on their lives.

How would you like to have a phone number that you can keep for life? Today, you probably have a cell phone, a work phone and maybe even a home phone. People don’t know which one to try to find you. Wouldn’t it be great if people could call you at one number and you can always be reached? The service comes from “Grand Central,” and it’s free! We don’t know how long this service will be available, but it’s great if it works. Another great feature is Grand Central will tell you who is calling and you can listen to what the caller is saying without them knowing. How cool is that? Clark signed up already because he wants to test it out. We’ll let you know how it works.

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In other phone news, you may know that Clark carries two phones. One is from Metro PCS, which offers unlimited local calling in Metro PCS areas. Sprint wants to join this game and is now testing an unlimited calling plan in California. It’s for people who use their phones frequently, and it offers unlimited calling, text messaging, Internet access and e-mail. It costs $120 a month. That may be a little high for some people, but Sprint wants to see what people are willing to pay.

Girl Scout cookies are a huge deal these days. Not only are there just under 3 million Girl Scouts in the United States, but they are one of the most entrepreneurial sales groups out there. Some times it’s the actual Girl Scout doing the work, but often it’s the mothers doing the marketing and sales. Some are even selling cookies on eBay and Craig’s List. They vary in cost per chapter so at least look for a deal. And, if you’re a mother, try to get your daughter to come up with a strategy herself.

When you walk down the aisle at supermarkets, do you notice the products that try to be “all-in-one” products? Toothpaste, for example, now controls tartar, whitens your teeth and freshens breath in just one tube. Electronics also try to be a type of Swiss Army knife. TVs with built-in DVD players are one example. And that type of gadget is not worth it. If the TV breaks you have to bring in the entire thing and it costs much more than if they were separate. There is an enhanced value in our minds, but you’re really just giving more money to the company.